Rear sliding glass window replacement in pickup

[Steve Foss]

Hey all:

Just ordered a new rear sliding glass window and new gasket for my 1985 Chev Silverado.

I've never replaced one of these before. It doesn't look overly complicated, but I'd very much like to hear some how-to.

Thanks in advance!

[LightningBG]

An 85, huh? Strong work. You have collectors plates on that puppy?

[Steve Foss]

Nah, don't I have five more years to wait before I'm eligible for collector plates?

Anyway, with 50,000 miles on a rebuilt long block and rebuilt tranny, it'll rust away before the motor/tranny go.

[LightningBG]

Collector Plates: Any motor vehicle (except recreational) that is at least 20 model years old and manufactured after 1935 is eligible. A vehicle is considered 20 model years old when that particular make of vehicle introduces their 20th model year (e.g. a 1979 ford is 20 years old when the 1999 Ford models are introduced). The owners must certify, at the time of application, that they have one or more vehicles registered with regular Minnesota license plates.

Something to consider. I think you only have to get it once, then no more tabs.

[Mudcatman]

I do autoglass for a living. Put your new gasket on the glass first, also install crome locking strip first as well, if there is one of them. Put a thin rope in the part of the gasket that lips over the metal on the truck. Start pulling the rope from the bottom middle and work your way around slowly, pulling the gasket lip over the pinchweld. It helps to have a buddy hold it in place from the outside, while you pull the rope from the inside. Or if your by yourself, just duct tape the window in place. I also like to have a hook tool for those spots that dont seem to rope in correctly. Lube the gasket with glass cleaner or liquid silicone to make it much easier.

[Steve Foss]

Thanks, Mudcatman. That's what I was looking for.

Since I'm not keeping the existing window and gasket, I assume I can pry that sucker out of there pretty much any way I want?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I'd tape the old glass before you start prying. If it pops the tape will keep it from going all over.

[Mudcatman]

You may already be done with the job, but I would remove the old one by cutting the old gasket apart with a utility knife. Or you could peel the gasket back in a corner from the inside and just push it out as well.